Swiss deeptech startup Rhonexum is positioning itself at the heart of one of the most complex challenges in quantum computing by developing electronics that can function in extreme environments, and it has now secured $1 million in pre seed funding to accelerate that mission.
The Lausanne based company, spun out of EPFL’s AQUA Lab, is working on a critical bottleneck in quantum computing systems. While quantum processors operate at cryogenic temperatures close to absolute zero, conventional electronic components struggle to perform reliably under such conditions. This mismatch creates inefficiencies and limits the scalability of quantum machines, which are still largely confined to laboratory settings.
Tackling a core quantum bottleneck
Quantum computing systems require highly controlled environments to function, often operating at temperatures just fractions of a degree above absolute zero. However, most control electronics are located outside these environments, creating physical and technical distance between the processor and its control systems.
Rhonexum aims to solve this by designing electronics that can operate directly within cryogenic conditions. By moving control components closer to quantum processors, the company seeks to reduce system complexity and improve performance. This approach could enable more compact system architectures and simplify the infrastructure required to operate quantum machines.
The company’s technology is built on proprietary models and software tools that allow engineers to design cryogenic compatible components using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. This is a key differentiator, as it allows the integration of advanced electronics without requiring entirely new fabrication methods.
From research to industrial application
Rhonexum was founded by Vicente Carbon and Dr Hung Chi Han, combining expertise in cryogenic semiconductor physics, systems engineering, and deeptech commercialisation. Their work builds on years of academic research conducted at EPFL, one of Europe’s leading institutions in quantum and advanced engineering.
The founding team is focused on translating this research into practical solutions that can be adopted by industry. According to the company, the goal is to support the transition of quantum computing from experimental setups to scalable, industrial systems.
Vicente Carbon noted that cryogenic electronics will play a fundamental role in enabling large scale quantum computing by simplifying architectures and improving operational efficiency. The company is positioning itself as a supplier of these critical components as the quantum ecosystem continues to mature.
Backing from investors and innovation programs
The $1 million pre seed round was led by QDNL Participations, with participation from Venture Kick and additional grant funding from Swiss innovation initiatives. Rhonexum has also received support from organisations such as EPFL Startup Launchpad, Fondation pour l Innovation Technologique, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
This combination of private investment and public support reflects growing interest in foundational technologies that enable the next generation of computing systems. Investors are increasingly focusing on infrastructure layers within the quantum stack, where solving hardware and integration challenges is essential for long term progress.
Expanding beyond quantum computing
While the company’s primary focus is quantum computing, its cryogenic electronics platform has potential applications in other advanced technology domains. These include space systems, where electronics must operate in extreme temperature environments, and advanced sensing technologies that require high precision and stability.
Rhonexum plans to deliver its first industrial grade cryogenic electronics product to early customers later this year. This milestone will mark an important step in validating its technology in real world conditions and establishing commercial traction.
Building the future of scalable quantum systems
As the global race to develop practical quantum computers intensifies, companies like Rhonexum are addressing the less visible but equally critical challenges that underpin the technology. By focusing on the electronics layer, the startup is contributing to the broader effort to make quantum systems more scalable, efficient, and commercially viable.
With fresh funding and strong academic roots, Rhonexum is now advancing toward its goal of becoming a key enabler of next generation quantum infrastructure, helping bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and industrial deployment.